For dedicated paraprofessionals within the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), numerous avenues exist to propel your career in education through Paid Career Training Programs. These initiatives are specifically designed to support your professional growth, offering financial assistance and structured pathways to achieve your career aspirations within the NYC school system. Whether you aim to earn your bachelor’s degree, gain teacher certification, or take on leadership roles, NYCPS provides robust support to help you succeed.
Career Training Program (CTP): Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree with Tuition Assistance
The Career Training Program (CTP) is a flagship initiative offering eligible UFT paraprofessionals a remarkable opportunity: the chance to earn their first bachelor’s degree with paid tuition. This program covers tuition costs for 3 to 6 credits per semester at participating colleges and universities, making higher education accessible and affordable.
Eligibility for CTP
To qualify for this valuable paid career training program, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Be a full-time paraprofessional currently employed in a NYC public school and not yet holding a bachelor’s degree.
- Be officially payrolled as a full-time paraprofessional when applying and maintain this status throughout the application school year.
- Provide proof of matriculation into a degree-bearing program after accumulating 45 credits.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be eligible and continue participation. Dropping below this GPA will result in ineligibility for the CTP voucher.
Substitute paraprofessionals are not eligible. The program covers up to 120 credits towards your first bachelor’s degree, accounting for any transfer credits or credits earned before program entry. NYCPS will not cover courses with failing grades, late withdrawals, or unofficial withdrawals.
Financial Support and Benefits of CTP
Beyond paid tuition, CTP participants enrolled in five or more credit hours per semester are entitled to 2.5 hours of release time per week for study. Additionally, paraprofessionals can apply for a Summer Stipend to further support their studies during the summer semester, easing the financial burden of pursuing higher education.
Financial aid options, such as the Federal Pell Grant and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), can further reduce out-of-pocket expenses. NYCPS will cover the remaining tuition balance after these grants are applied. However, participants are responsible for non-tuition fees like activity, application, or technology fees.
Application Windows for CTP
Applications for the CTP program are available during specific periods each semester:
- Fall Semester: May 1st – June 30th
- Spring Semester: September 1st – October 31st
- Summer Semester: February 1st – March 31st
Remember, a separate application is required for each semester. Unused vouchers cannot be carried over to future semesters.
For detailed application instructions, refer to the CTP Application Guide. For any queries, contact [email protected] or (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence (PSTLOA) Program: Paid Leave for Certification
For paraprofessionals pursuing teacher certification, the NYCPS offers the Paraprofessional Student Teaching Leave of Absence (PSTLOA) Program. This paid career training program provides up to 40 days of paid leave to complete mandatory student teaching requirements, a crucial step towards becoming a certified teacher.
PSTLOA Eligibility
To be eligible for PSTLOA, paraprofessionals must:
- Be a full-time, active employee with at least one full school year of service as a paraprofessional.
- Be payrolled full-time at application and maintain this status.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in their program of study.
- Be enrolled in a NYSED-approved program leading to New York State teaching certification. Online or out-of-state programs must be NYSED-approved to qualify.
The program is categorized to accommodate different paths to certification:
- Category A: Paraprofessionals with an education degree needing student teaching for certification.
- Category B: Paraprofessionals in a Master’s program needing student teaching for initial certification.
- Category C: Paraprofessionals in a Bachelor’s program needing student teaching for initial certification.
Important Restrictions and Application Details for PSTLOA
PSTLOA is offered on a limited basis annually, with a cap of 100 leaves per year (50 each for fall and spring). Priority is given to those closer to certification completion. Applications must be submitted well in advance (at least four weeks before the leave date). This is a one-time program; you can apply only once. Leaves are exclusively for student teaching leading to initial teacher certification and not for non-teaching roles.
For more information, refer to the Student Teaching Leave of Absence Program Overview or contact [email protected] or (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program: Get Reimbursed for Graduate Studies
The Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program is another excellent paid career training program, offering financial reimbursement for graduate studies. NYCPS will reimburse up to 12 graduate credits for eligible paraprofessionals pursuing a master’s degree in education leading to teacher certification.
Eligibility for Graduate Reimbursement
To be eligible, paraprofessionals must:
- Be fully matriculated in a NYS-approved graduate education program leading to teacher certification.
- Have completed at least 12 credits towards their graduate program.
- Possess at least one full year of paid experience as a NYCPS paraprofessional.
- Be payrolled full-time at application and maintain this status.
- Ensure coursework is part of a master’s degree in a classroom teaching discipline and achieve a grade of “B” or better for reimbursement.
Programs for guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, attendance teachers, and speech pathologists are not eligible. Reimbursement is at the current CUNY graduate tuition rate and does not cover pre-requisite courses.
Application Availability and Key Details for Graduate Reimbursement
Applications are accepted annually from February 1st to March 31st. Reimbursement covers courses required for initial certification only. If other financial aid is received, it will be applied first, with NYCPS covering the remaining tuition balance.
For detailed information, consult the Para to Teacher Pathway Graduate Reimbursement Program Information document or contact [email protected] or (718) 935-2449.
Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program: Cover Your Certification Exam Costs
NYCPS also provides the Paraprofessional Certification Testing Reimbursement Program, a paid career training program offering a one-time reimbursement of up to $400 for state teacher certificate application and NYS certification exams.
Eligibility and Requirements for Testing Reimbursement
To qualify, paraprofessionals must:
- Have attained NYS teacher certification on or after September 1st of the application year.
- Provide receipts for NYS Examinations and the NYS Teacher Application.
- Request reimbursement within one year of certification.
Required documentation includes the reimbursement application, NYS Teacher Application and exam receipts, and proof of passing required certification exams.
Application Window for Testing Reimbursement
Applications are accepted annually from March 1st to April 30th.
For more details, refer to the Certification Testing Reimbursement Program Overview or contact [email protected] or (718) 935-2449.
Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) / Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA): A Pathway to Leadership
The Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA) and Bilingual Lead Teacher Assistant (BLTA) positions offer experienced paraprofessionals a chance to take on more responsibility and leadership within the classroom. This paid career training program provides additional compensation (up to $5,000 annually) for eligible full-time paraprofessionals.
LTA/BLTA Eligibility
To be eligible for LTA/BLTA roles, paraprofessionals must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree at the time of application.
- Possess an active NYS Teacher Assistant Certificate (Level I, II, or III).
- Have at least one year of full-time service as a paraprofessional at NYCDOE.
- Maintain a satisfactory attendance and punctuality record.
- BLTA applicants must demonstrate fluency in a second language.
Application Period and Further Information for LTA/BLTA
Applications are accepted annually from January 1st to March 31st. For more information, consult the LTA/BLTA Position Posting or contact [email protected] or 718-935-2449.
Conclusion: Invest in Your Future with Paid Career Training Programs
NYCPS provides an impressive array of paid career training programs designed to empower paraprofessionals to advance their careers in education. From tuition assistance for bachelor’s degrees to paid leave for student teaching and reimbursement for graduate studies and certification exams, these programs offer significant financial and professional support. Take advantage of these opportunities to invest in your future and reach your full potential within the New York City Public Schools. Explore the programs that align with your career goals and take the next step in your educational journey today.
